Haley, DeSantis trade accusations of lying to voters on Iowa debate stage

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley strode onto the presidential debate stage in Iowa Wednesday night hoping to capitalize on recent momentum, bury Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and establish herself as the GOP’s major alternative to former President Donald Trump.

She and Mr. DeSantis immediately mixed it up, with Ms. Haley accusing her rival of lying about her record, and Mr. DeSantis saying she doesn’t have a political backbone.

“She caves,” Mr. DeSantis said. “When you need someone to stand and fight for you, you won’t be able to find her.”

Ms. Haley said Mr. DeSantis’s campaign is imploding and she’s the only alternative to Mr. Trump who’s running a nationwide campaign.

“He’s only mad about the donors because the donors used to be with him and they’re no longer with him,” she said of Mr. DeSantis, who accused Ms. Haley of kowtowing to wealthy supporters.